Chase the autumn leaves in Japan
Japan is one of these cases which turns into a gold, yellow and orange fairy tale starting from September. And we can honestly say: We cannot imagine a more beautiful season to visit Japan.
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Weather in May
May in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night. May is part of the rainy season, with around 207 mm (8.1 in) of rainfall and frequent showers.
Rainfall in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in May
As part of the rainy season, Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama sees around 17 days of rain in May, with an average of 207 mm (8.1 in). Rain during the rainy season is significant rather than just light drizzle. Expect proper showers on most rainy days.
Temperature in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in May
Daytime highs in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in May reach 20°C (68°F), with nights around 9°C (48°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is usually noticeable. With overnight lows of 9°C (48°F), nights are cold. The cold air does make for deep, comfortable sleep if you have enough blankets.
Sunshine in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in May
With approximately 192 hours of sunshine, the days are filled with clear skies during the day. Rain typically falls in the afternoon or evening, keeping mornings and early parts of the day sunny.So this is a great month to visit if you prefer dry days with pleasant temperatures.
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Temperature in May
Min Temperature
9°C (48°F)
Max Temperature
20°C (68°F)
Chance of Rain
56%
Precipitation
207 mm (8.1 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Humidity
68% *
Sunshine
192 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
* Data from: Fukui, Japan (64 KM, 40 Miles).
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 20°C (68°F). Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather records for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama historical weather extremes in May
Our historical data for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama spans 1976 to 2026, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest May day on record in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama reached 31°C (88°F) (May 30, 2017).
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 9°C (48°F), recorded on May 3, 1991.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 2°C (36°F) on May 5, 1991, marking the coldest May night on record.
- The wettest May day on record brought 131 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation to Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama (May 28, 2024).
Best Places in Japan in May
Find out more about the weather in Japan and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Japan in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in May
Comfortable temperatures call for an easy wardrobe in May. Pack summer basics like t-shirts and shorts, but include a light jacket for cooler moments. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. It's going to pour! Pack a good poncho and prepare for very wet conditions. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.
What To Do in Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming6/10 -
Camping3/10
Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama climate overview or explore weather in Japan.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Chase the autumn leaves in Japan
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